Daily Reflections reading June 28th
The Determination Of Our founders
A
year and six months later these three had succeeded with seven more. ALCOHOLICS
ANONYMOUS, p. 159
If
it had not been for the fierce determination of our founders, A.A. would have quickly
faded like so many other so-called good causes. I look at the hundreds of
meetings weekly in the city where I live and I know A.A. is available
twenty-four hours a day. If I had had to hang on with nothing but hope and a
desire not to drink, experiencing rejection wherever I went, I would have
sought the easier, softer way and returned to my previous way of life.
©
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
My
thoughts on June 28th Reading
Because of the determination of our founders we all have
been given a set of principles to live by thanks to Ebby T Bill got the message
that God can do for us what we could not do for ourselves Bill had a spiritual
experience that carried him forward
To meet Dr Bob in Akron together they started to go to the
hospital where they could talk to other alcoholics one on one, this was the
beginning of the AA fellowship, Bill and Bob knew they needed to do more this
is when the steps we born and our unity was founded
Unity is defined as singleness of purpose, or action, we
sure have a single purpose, that is to carry the message of recovery to all who
are willing to surrender to their disease, when ever I reach out to help
others, I gain some real love and true friendships as did our founders
Sobriety is helping others, I found so many people reaching
out to help me on my journey, carrying the message can become carrying the mess
some times, I did need to learn when to let go and let God handle things, some
just are not ready to surrender to the disease
In the beginning I didn't know how much I should try to help
the newcomer, I had to look back at the founders again they started right away
trying to help others just to stay sober themselves, they at that time did not
have the steps as we know them today
This taught me that even the newest of newcomers could find
many rewards as he tries to help another
Like the one who is in a treatment center, or has just
walked into the halls for the first time this is where we can put out our hand
to welcome them
I found that by this kind of giving I have also found my own
sobriety growing just as our founders did
There is no joy greater than helping others, when it is
accepted by the new comer, to watch their eyes open with wonder, as they move
from darkness into light
To see their lives fill with meaning, to watch people awaken
to the presence of God living by His will, we always get as good as we give, so
yes we help ourselves, working with others improved my own judgment of
character, it taught me patience and understanding
I sit in AA meetings and listen, not only to get something,
but to give support just by being there so others can see they are not alone,
when I speak at a meeting I try to carry AA's message of hope and love sharing
my experience strength and hope
There are opportunities for everyone to get active in their
group, many feel uncomfortable speaking at meetings, but they can be the ones
who take other jobs like making the coffee, cleaning up after meetings, or just
talking to others one on one before and after the meeting
I have learned that when I give unconditional love I always
get it back, God always returns love back to anyone giving freely of their time
trying to help others, trusting God’s wisdom is knowing I can not keep this
fellowship unless I give it all away
I had reach out as our founders did, even when they slip I
learn patience, tolerance, and understanding, of my own disease with this I
grew in the fellowship and my own life is always enriched when I reach out to
my fellow suffers
God gave me this gift!! I had to Use it or to lose it!! Lets
all carry this message "God can do for us what we can't do for ourselves
if we let Him
God Bless you Al M
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